Removal of the insulin-producing beta (islet) cells from a donor pancreas and placement of the cells into a person with type 1 diabetes. Several centres in Canada offer islet cell transplants to carefully selected people with type 1 diabetes. Although initial results are encouraging, the procedure is still in the research stage, and patients require lifelong drugs to prevent their bodies from rejecting the donor cells.

Cells found in the pancreas, also known as the Islets of Langerhans, these cells contain the alpha- and beta-cells which produce glucagon and insulin.

A condition in which the body’s cells and tissues do not respond properly to the effects of insulin. It is a key feature of type 2 diabetes.

Areas on the outer walls of a cell that permit insulin to bind to the cell. When cells and insulin bind together, the cell is able to take glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy.

A portable, battery-operated device that delivers a specific amount of insulin through a small tube inserted under the skin. It can be programmed to deliver constant doses of insulin throughout the day and/or deliver extra insulin as required. Also called continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

An injection device the size and shape of a pen that includes a needle and holds a vial of insulin. It can be used instead of syringes for giving insulin injections.

The loss of fatty tissue that can occur as a result of repeated insulin injections in the same area. To avoid this condition it is important to properly rotate insulin injection sites.

Insulin that is made chemically as a modification of human insulin. Analogues include insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glargine and insulin detemir.

Insulin is a hormone made by the beta-cells of your pancreas that acts like a key to your cells allowing sugar in to them to be used for energy.